Get ready...get set...go!

After 18 months of anticipation, our journey has begun. Preparations included watching a few movies about the countries we are visiting, thinking about what we would need, packing, rethinking and repacking, and going online at 2 AM, to sign up for 65 tours offered through Viking. We got almost everything we wanted even though we were given last priority since we are low on the ship's totem pole. Still, with a king size bed and views through our sliding glass doors of the sea, we are excited and ready for the 128 day, 35,000 mile Viking 2019 World Cruise from Miami to London.

The real beginning of our journey started with Drew spending a couple days fine-tuning our computers and phones since we are not tech savvy. He also helped buy and install video cameras in our house to watch for spring flooding. Drew and Laura were kind enough to lend us their car since ours was in the shop getting major engine work done. Drew took the Harvard train back on New Year's Eve and we kept the boys for an action-packed three days taking several trips to the Ridge for swimming and hot tubbing, a Santa Cruise on Geneva Lake, Culvers, and taking a slow ride past the lights of the 12 days of Christmas at the Grand Geneva. Inside were amazing Christmas decorations and gingerbread houses and Chicago’s elite, already partying for New Year’s Eve in tuxes and formal gowns.

Dancing 'Round the Christmas Tree

1800s Cobweb Party

After a final dance around our Christmas tree and a 1800s Cobweb Party the kids helped Carol take down all the decorations. Then Kim, the grandmother of two or our respite kids, came over with Zach and Lila for an even more action-packed afternoon, after which we put the house back together and finished our final packing.

Drew and Erik with Foster Kids Zachary and Lila

We headed to Chicago the next day. Sean and Kate walked over (2 hours) to have Lou's pizza with us thanks to Grandma D. The boys were pretty excited to have Funkle Sean and Aunt Kate there.

Drew got up at 5AM January 3rd to make us fried eggs and coffee and helped load our suitcases into a taxi. We thoroughly enjoyed our Jordanian driver who told about his love for the United States and Chicago and his immigration experience.

Jawaharial Nehru says..."We live in a wonderful world full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."  We're ready!!